Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 8: Ankush Bhardwaj, a prominent member of India’s shooting coaching staff, has been suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) after being accused of sexual harassment by a minor shooter.

According to NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia, an FIR has been filed against Bhardwaj in Faridabad, and the suspension has been imposed on moral grounds. “He has to prove himself innocent. Till the inquiry is completed, he will not be associated with any coaching activity,” Bhatia told reporters.

Bhardwaj, a former pistol shooter, had been recommended by NRAI for a position in the 37-member coaching team post the Paris Olympics 2024 and was appointed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The FIR states that the alleged harassment took place last month at Surajkund, following a training session at the Karni Singh Range. The victim, who has been training under Bhardwaj since August last year, reportedly spoke to her mother about the incident on January 1, expressing the trauma she endured.

Bhardwaj had previously served a doping ban in 2010 for using a beta-blocker during his competitive career. NRAI has stated that a show-cause notice will be issued, and further investigations are underway.